Undiscovered Florida 2011 - (Page 4)

the roads less traveled Susan Schermer M ost travelers know about the “big picture” in Florida—the theme parks, the beaches, the golf courses, the sunshine. But it’s the smaller snapshots that paint perhaps the most compelling por trait of the 27th state in the union. Placid rivers whose glass-like sur faces reflect the overhang of trees and moss. Vast lakes connected to remote ponds known only by the most intrepid fishermen. Coral reefs that are under water prisms of color. Sinkholes car ved into the landscape like gigantic soup bowls, filled with flowers. Cr ystal-clear springs whose ultimate depths are a myster y to explore. Florida’s cultural landscape is equally compelling, from the prehistoric ceremonial centers of native tribes to coastal strongholds built by the Spanish to defend la Florida, and the forested backcountr y where Old South plantations spr ung up and Civil War battlefields followed.  Closer to the modern era, frontier Florida lives on in its hear tland ranches and horse farms, while its southern shores hum with a distinct vibe created by the culinar y and musical traditions of new arrivals from the Caribbean and Latin America. And from Nor thwest Florida to the Florida Keys, heritage sites tell the stor y of how the state was touched—and transformed—by African-Americans, Jewish immigrants, pioneering women and many others. Being There Still, if you’re looking for wide-open spaces, you’ll find them in Florida’s huge forests and prairies, national and state parks, lush conser vation areas, protected wetlands and nature preser ves sheltering creatures great and small—literally ever ything from alligators to zebra butter flies. Grab a front-row seat on the hiking and biking trails crisscrossing the state—including the Florida Trail, one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the U.S., which traces a 1,500-mile route through the Sunshine State past Visitors into state cypress strands and beaches, exploring the Everglades parks and forests, and toward historic landmarks. Along the way, hikers encounter Florida’s unique habitats and wildlife, with easy day hikes and backpacking trips all within an hour’s drive from most major cities (See floridatrail.org to learn more.) Bird lovers, meanwhile, can flock together on the Great Florida Birding Trail, a 2,000-mile, self-guided highway trail connecting nearly 500 birding sites throughout Florida (learn more at floridabirdingtrail.com). If you’re hoping to glimpse the Florida alligator or other creatures congregating beside the state’s riverbanks and water ways, tr y a water route like the Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile marked canoe and kayak trail through the coastal waters and inland tributaries of Southwest Florida (see calusablueway.com). For more tips on enjoying Florida’s great outdoors—including nature-based recreation options and specific events— check out getoutdoorsflorida.com, presented by Get Outdoors Florida!, Undiscovered Florida  http://www.floridatrail.org http://www.floridabirdingtrail.com http://www.calusablueway.com http://www.getoutdoorsflorida.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Undiscovered Florida 2011

The Roads Less Traveled
North Florida
Central Florida
South Florida

Undiscovered Florida 2011

https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/undiscoveredflorida/2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/undiscoveredflorida/2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/undiscoveredflorida/undiscoveredflorida2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/undiscoveredflorida/2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/undiscoveredflorida/2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/undiscoveredflorida/2011
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com